AFIDEP and CAPYEI youth training: Building Youth Skills

Ethiopia’s young people hold enormous potential. Yet many barriers still prevent them from fully influencing the policies that shape their lives. In response to this challenge, the Youth Futures Policy Research Project led by AFIDEP and the CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI) launched a two day dialogue program designed to strengthen youth participation in evidence-based policymaking.

This initiative brought together committed young leaders from diverse backgrounds to build their skills in political economy research, community-driven inquiry, and policy advocacy.

AFIDEP and CAPYEI Youth Training: Building Research Skills in Political Economy

The Youth Training in Political Economy Research offered a structured, hands-on learning experience that equipped participants with practical tools in:

• Participatory Action Research (PAR)
• Political Economy Analysis (PEA)
• Intersectionality and inclusive research design

This approach aligns with the growing movement in Ethiopia to ensure young people are not passive recipients of policy decisions but co-creators of the solutions.

Strengthening Inclusion, Skills, and Opportunities Through AFIDEP and CAPYEI Youth Training

The dialogue ensured each youth received personalized guidance from designing methodologies to analyzing findings and presenting recommendations.

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of creating learning spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and driven by the real experiences of youth. This has helped build a new generation of young researchers who are ready to inform programs targeting employment, skills development, and youth empowerment. Safe Light Initiative continues to support these efforts, creating inclusive spaces where young people can learn, grow, and lead.

Collaboration for Sustainable Impact

As one participant summarized during the final session,
“When young people lead the research, the solutions become clearer and more grounded in reality.”

“If the topic is about getting young people get involved in the policy making; actually get youth involved”

Safe Light Initiative continues to champion such collaborative efforts, recognizing that evidence-driven youth engagement is essential for strengthening inclusive development across Ethiopia.

Looking Ahead

The Youth Futures Policy Research Project sets a strong foundation for future programs. The place young people at the heart of policymaking. By equipping youth with the tools to investigate, analyze, and advocate, this initiative contributes to a broader vision:
a future where young people shape the policies that affect their education, employment, and economic participation.

Safe Light Initiative remains committed to working with AFIDEP, CAPYEI, and national partners to ensure that youth-led research continues to inform meaningful, measurable change across the country.